_Duke._ Then, madam, 'tis necessary you should know him better for his
reputation; and that shall be, though he violate the laws of
masquerade, and force you.

_Fred._ I suspected this from his violent temper. [_Aside._] Sir, the
emperor's ambassador is here in masquerade, and I believe this to be
his lady: It were well if you inquired of him, before you forced her
to discover.

_Duke._ Which is the ambassador?

_Fred._ That farthermost. [_Duke retires farther._

_Fred._ to _Luc._ Take your opportunity to escape, while his back is
turned, or you are ruined. Ascanio, wait on her.

_Luc._ I am so frighted, I cannot stay to thank you.
[_Exeunt_ LUC. ASCA. _and_ HIP.

_Duke_ to _Fred._ 'Tis a mistake, the ambassador knows nothing of her:
I'm resolved I'll know it of herself, ere she shall depart.--Ha! Where
is she? I left her here.

_Fred._ [_Aside._] Out of your reach, father mine, I hope.

_Duke._ She has either shifted places, or else slipped out of the
assembly.

_Fred._ I have looked round: She must be gone, sir.

_Duke._ She must not be gone, sir. Search for her every where: I will
have her.

_Fred._ Has she offended your highness?

_Duke._ Peace, with your impertinent questions. Come hither, Valerio.

_Val._ Sir?

_Duke._ O, Valerio, I am desperately in love: That lady, with whom you
saw me talking, has--But I lose time; she's gone; haste after her,--
find her,--bring her back to me.

_Val._ If it be possible.

_Duke._ It must be possible; the quiet of my life depends upon it.

_Val._ Which way took she?

_Duke._ Go any way,--every way; ask no questions: I know no more, but
that she must,--must be had. [_Exit_ VALERIO.

_Fred._ Sir, the assembly will observe, that--

_Duke._ Damn the assembly; 'tis a dull insignificant crowd, now she is
not here: Break it up, I'll stay no longer.

_Fred._ [_Aside._] I hope she's safe, and then this fantastic love of
my father's will make us sport to-momorrow. [_Exeunt._

SCENE III.

_Enter_ LUCRETIA, ASCANIO, _and_ HIPPOLITA.

_Luc._ Now that we are safe at the gate of our convent, methinks the
adventure was not unpleasant.

_Hip._ And now that I am out of danger, brother, I may tell you what a
novice you are in love, to tempt a young sister into the wide world,
and not to show her the difference betwixt that and her cloister. I
find I may ventur